The way you wear it... 1984 - 2009

With so many big trends influenced by the 80s and 90s right now, plus the fact that this September marks the 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week  we decided the time was right to take a look back at 25 years of London style and get nostalgic about the looks that are inspiring a whole new generation of rule-breakers in the capital today.

We worked with ELLEs catwalk photographer Anthea Simms who invited us into her archive. The best looks can be seen in the next 8 pages.

From oversized faded jeans that evoke memories of Bananarama and Bros, to nylon bomber jackets, cropped tops, BOY London T-shirts, shoulder pads and body-con dresses, our favourite shots read like a roll-call of this years biggest trends. Click now to see them all and be inspired now

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High waisted, faded denim shorts have been ubiquitous at this summer’s festivals and in the capital of late. Back then, they were worn with cropped denim jackets, silk blouses and indie-grunge black opaque tights.

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Rolled hem, high waisted jeans with DMs were a big London look in the late eighties. Snapped on Carnaby Street, this girl’s retro look has stood the test of time.

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We love how this girl has cinched in her oversized jeans and paired them with a quilted nylon bomber. Patches, on jackets and jeans were a big trend in the eighties.

High waisted, faded denim shorts have been ubiquitous at this summer’s festivals and in the capital of late. Back then, they were worn with cropped denim jackets, silk blouses and indie-grunge black opaque tights.

OthersUnknown

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Rolled hem, high waisted jeans with DMs were a big London look in the late eighties. Snapped on Carnaby Street, this girl’s retro look has stood the test of time.

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We love how this girl has cinched in her oversized jeans and paired them with a quilted nylon bomber. Patches, on jackets and jeans were a big trend in the eighties.

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As long as they were vintage, ripped, faded or borrowed from your boyfriend – Levis were the jeans to wear back then.

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Destroy was the diffusion line by Brit designer John Richmond launched in 1987. At the time diffusion lines were a new concept. Richmond was one of five Brit designers who were collectively named the 5th Circle and their designs were ubiquitous in London’s clubs back then.

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The ‘double denim’ look was a big eighties hit and vintage Levis jackets became highly collectable and expensive.

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Acid, stone and snow washes were the new denim washes to sport and the Converse All Star high top boot first appeared on the fashion radar in the UK at this time.

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BOY London was the go-to brand for bands like Bananarama, Bros, The Pet Shop Boys and Neneh Cherry. Note the rolled bandana worn on this girl’s ankle and the one earring she’s wearing.

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